Ferns and lycophytes from Lagoa do Peri Municipal Park, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

A checklist of ferns and lycophytes from the Lagoa do Peri Municipal Park (LPMP), an Atlantic Forest remnant in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, is presented. Collections were made from October 2015 to April 2016. Herbarium specimens were also analyzed. A total of 81 species of ferns and one lycophyte were found, belonging to 14 families and 42 genera. The most representative families were Polypodiaceae (21 spp.) and Pteridaceae (12 spp.). Among the species, 44% were terrestrial, 31% epiphytes, 29% rupicolous, and 2% hemi-epiphytes. Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaudich.) Ching, an exotic invasive species, was recorded. The number of species found here is lower than reported for similar areas, likely due to anthropogenic activities around and within the park. The constant urbanization occurring around the LPMP emphasizes the importance of the park for conservation of the Atlantic Forest and for maintaining the diversity of ferns and lycophytes.